Research and Evaluation RES1

Holland Code: I (Investigative)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Literacy Students will be reading professional level research and writing related to research and program evaluation. Students will also be writing research proposals and reports, for course-work as well as community partners.

Math Students will be working with large data sets and statistical software. Firm grasp of probability and statistics will assist in success in the data analysis courses within the program.

Technology Familiarity and comfort with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software will be an asset.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Enjoy synthesizing information and finding innovative ways to present ideas
• Enjoy taking a methodical approach to tasks requiring precision (for example: attention to detail, accuracy, working to deadlines)
• Conceptual and critical thinking skills
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team in a competitive industry
• The ability to interpret stakeholder interests and develop ongoing communication strategies
• Strong writing and oral presentation skills
• Good listening and analytical skills
• Good organization and time management skills

Useful background experience for this program would be

Experience in a professional work environment in data analytics, research coordination, program evaluation, or involvement in post-secondary in business analytics or the social sciences.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a …

• Research and evaluation Specialist
• Data analyst
• Program evaluation coordinator
• Monitoring and evaluation officer
• Data and research coordinator
• Policy analyst
• Project manager
• Services coordinator
• Impact and evaluation advisor

Places you may find yourself employed include …

• healthcare
• education
• private sector
• self-employed (consultant)
• government

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Work in an office environment
• Could involve field work if on-location data collection is a necessary part of the research or evaluation project

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Use current information technology tools to retrieve, organize, accurately process, and communicate both qualitative and quantitative evaluation and research data
• Translate research and program evaluation goals into appropriate evaluation designs and methods
• Present actionable recommendations for stakeholders based on accurate analysis of relevant information
• Design clear, persuasive and accurate documentation to collect, support and present data for program evaluation and research projects
• Meet the objectives of organizations and clients through applying appropriate program evaluation and research methods, and through accurately analyzing research and evaluation findings
• Apply appropriate statistical techniques to generate high-quality information and analysis
• Manage projects of varying sizes, ensuring they meet all necessary goals and parameters (e.g. scope, design/features, timelines, ethical considerations, etc.)
• Effectively communicate specialized information to diverse audiences with varying degrees of technical knowledge
• Accurately and persuasively report on the progress and results of program evaluation and research projects to relevant stakeholders
• Increase organizational efficacy by capturing, interpreting and applying organizational information using knowledge management techniques
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Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Canadian Evaluation Society (https://evaluationcanada.ca/)
• Canadian Evaluation Society: Ontario chapter (http://www.evaluationontario.ca/)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Due to shared courses, graduates from this program will possess advanced standing in the School of Language and Liberal Studies’ Advanced Communication for Professionals Ontario College Graduate Certificate program

Last Modified: August 15, 2019